The phrase ‘dental implant’ is really a general term used to describe a few procedures and techniques. And, when considering which type is right for you, it is important to be familiar with all your options. The implant and the mini-implant are considered true implants that replace lost teeth, while the bridge, partial dentures, and crowns are ways to replace missing, or broken teeth and each comes with a set of pros and cons. In addition to this, it is important to consider which type of dental implant will most closely mimic the strength of your natural teeth with the least amount of complication and care. After all, the activities of eating, smiling, laughing, and talking should not be dependent on how comfortable you are with your dental implant. They should feel like natural activities; exactly how Dr. Tsai thinks your dental implant should feel. Natural. Click here for a dental implant video
Dental Bridge - Pros and Cons
If you have a single tooth that needs to be replaced, then one of the simplest solutions is the dental bridge. It is small, quick, and it is a relatively common way to replace a missing tooth. However, the truth about a dental bridge is that your dentist has to cut down other teeth in order to hold it in place. Your dentist, when placing the dental bridge, will have to grind down the neighboring teeth in order to support the cemented bridge. In addition to this, the gums can recede around the bridge, thus causing the bone that is holding the tooth in place to be reabsorbed by the body, ultimately causing the bridge to fail. And the glue that holds the bridge in place can wear out, creating space for bacteria to hide, which also increases the chance of tooth decay or cavities. So, while a dental bridge is a common and trusted way to replace a missing tooth, there are some long-term problems associated with it that can lead to more serious issues. Especially when you consider the little discussed fact that dental bridges are difficult to floss around and keep clean.
Partial Denture - Pros and Cons
Another option in the quest for the right dental implant is the removable bridge or partial denture. The upside to these is that they are removable, so cleaning is as easy as cleaning a denture every evening. You can replace multiple teeth even if the surrounding teeth are not in good shape. Of course, the biggest downside is that this type of dental implant does not look as good or as natural as people would like it to be. In addition to this, because it is removable, the denture has to have a way to hold on to the teeth. The metal clasps that are required to hold the partial denture in your mouth are going to be partially visible, but more importantly, there is always the potential for discomfort when wearing removable hardware in the mouth.
The Dental Crown - Pros and Cons
The dental crown, while similar in approach to a dental implant, is another dental solution that has been around for many years. This technique can be used to replace damaged teeth or to anchor a bridge. The process of getting a dental crown involves preparing or drilling/cutting down the fractured or damaged tooth to expose healthy tooth structure. Then the new crown is placed over the healthy tooth structure. The use of metal, ceramic, or a combination of the two is very common for dental crowns. However, each comes with its own limitations. For example, the ceramic crown looks very natural but it does not function well in the back of the mouth where biting pressures are greatest. The all-metal crown is not as nice to look at, but they are more durable. And, finally, the ceramic-covered metal crown or PFM is durable, but its appearance tends to change over time as your gum line recedes, leaving the black metal line at the top of your tooth.
Dental Implants - the Best Choice
Ultimately, when considering the pros and cons of dental implants, Dr. Tsai feels that it is necessary to look at the longevity of your restoration. The crown, which can look like a real tooth, will need to be replaced in ten to fifteen years. And, the truth with the removable bridge or denture is that they will usually become loose or unstable. Also, the dental bridge will require your dentist to cut down natural tooth structure of your other teeth, which places them at risk. And, by placing your other teeth at risk, you are increasing your chances for further dental procedures, more discomfort, and cost. Though all or some of these options are frequently chosen by patients, the dental implant is almost always the better decision.
The dental implant is not without its own risks, but there is no disputing the long-term benefits of dental implants. To begin with, the dental implant does require a surgery, which can create some discomfort, however, for most patients, any discomfort is usually gone in a day or two. On the other hand, the upside to the dental implant is that they are an investment that can last a lifetime. The dental implants done by Dr. Tsai will look natural, perform just like your teeth, and are simple to take care of. The dental implant will allow you to floss around it - something you cannot do with a bridge - and your can brush it just like your natural teeth. There is no special care that needs to be done, and with the advancements in materials you can be confident that your dental implant will not change color or look different five, ten, or fifteen years down the road.
Dental Implants Help Preserve Your Jaw BoneThere is another way that the dental implant done by Dr. Tsai is beneficial to the health of your teeth and jaw: this true dental implant, unlike any of the others mentioned in this article, actually replaces the root of the tooth. What this means is that the dental implant is actually anchored directly to the bone in your jaw, thus your body does not reabsorb the bone under that tooth. And, because the dental implant integrates directly with the jawbone, it helps to keep the bone strong and healthy, which allows for a lifetime of normal function.
